Staff recognised as HRH The Duke of Gloucester tours The QEH

Hardworking staff and dedicated volunteers at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital were praised by HRH The Duke of Gloucester.

The Duke officially opened the state-of-the-art theatres and also toured the transformed A-rated Stroke Unit during a visit on March 30.

His Royal Highness was welcomed to the Hospital by Chair of the Board, Edward Libbey, and Deputy Director of Nursing, Valerie Newton.

The Duke unveiled a plaque to celebrate the opening of the Hospital’s two fully integrated laparoscopic theatres.

Chair Mr Libbey said: “It was an honour to share the many achievements made by this hospital and its dedicated staff with His Royal Highness.

“The QEH has made tremendous leaps forward on our journey to excellence over the last two years and this has been embodied in ambitious projects such as the transformation of Theatres 5 and 6 along with the outstanding progress of our Stroke Unit.

“By investing in our facilities and staff, we are investing in the future of healthcare for the people of West Norfolk and its surrounding areas.”

His Royal Highness started off the tour at the hospital’s Stroke Unit, West Raynham Ward.

The unit, which has recently achieved an A rating from the Royal College of Physicians, has been transformed to create an uplifting atmosphere for patients and staff.

Along with a complete redecoration, the ward now has a reception along with two additional meeting rooms to provide greater privacy for patients and their families. The unit has also introduced colour coded bays to reduce disorientation.

The day room, decorated with pictures created by former patients and donated by The Stroke Association, has been improved by The Friends of the Stroke Unit.

His Royal Highness was then shown the two fully integrated laparoscopic Theatres 5 and 6, which were transformed in a £3.2 million project.

Both theatres are equipped with specialist scopes which provide high definition images for surgeons. These images can also be transmitted down to the hospital’s lecture theatre to help with the training of future surgeons. The theatres have also been fitted with top of the range air filtration units.

After unveiling the plaque, The Duke was able to speak to A&E staff, who have performed well during the busy winter period. Last year the department treated 59,902 patients.

His Royal Highness was also introduced to volunteers and members of the League of Friends, who play an important role in the operation of the hospital.

Deputy Director of Nursing, Miss Newton said: “The visit from His Royal Highness celebrates what has been a tremendous year of successes achieved by the hospital and our staff.

“It was a great pleasure to share how far we have travelled in the last two years, which would not be possible without our staff who have worked tirelessly for the benefit of the hospital.”